Cathedral

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Coral Nui Nui

Why dive here

With 32+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, humpback whales and pufferfish - Cathedral offers some of Easter Island (Rapa Nui)'s richest cave diving. Water sits around 23°C.

Marine lifeBull Sharks, Humpback Whales and Pufferfish · 32+ species recorded

Water23°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterCave dive · max 12-25m

StandoutDramatic cave topography

Cathedral is probably our favourite dive on Rapa Nui, a true standout. Dropping down, you’ll find yourself navigating a network of volcanic rock arches and swim-throughs, not really a cave in the traditional sense, but more an open system of caverns. It’s the light here that truly makes it special. Sunbeams slice through the water, creating these ethereal shafts that dance on the rocks, illuminating the black teatfish and spotted puffers that seem to drift lazily in the currents. Visibility on a good day can hit 40 metres, making the whole place feel even more immense. We’ve had some cracking encounters with green wrasse and the occasional passing Allison’s tuna here, too. Keep an eye out for the banded thicklip and blueskin; they’re often tucked into crevices. This site is definitely one for intermediate divers comfortable with overhead environments, though it never truly feels enclosed. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light show is at its best then.